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Oh—

What is it?

Oh, nothing. I've just never seen a business card so... cute.

Leaves an impression, don't it?

You're back. How did it go?

Mighty fine. We didn't settle on the revenue split though.

What's your plan?

Maybe I'll call him up now.

Gotta find his number. Flip through my rolodex here... boutique, appliances store, farm equipment, barber... here ya are, Dainty Fragrances.

Man, you have so many cards it's dragging on the ground. Do you have a detailed plan, though?

Detailed plan? Too early fer that.

Howdy, Mr. Chang? I dropped by earlier today.

Yep, it's me, Croissant.

I just finished tallyin' up the goods and I'm ready to package 'em. There's just one thing...

A workshop of sorts called me up. They're mighty interested in the oil...

And, er... well, the lady offered an awful temptin' price.

No, I ain't given 'em an answer yet. I'd love to work with a big company like yours, but...

Sure, I understand, but business is business.

Oh no, she's comin'. Gimme a sec.

(She's one heck of an actress...)

(Covers the receiver lightly)

What?! You really want my entire stock?

I-I couldn't do that. I promised to sell it as a bundle with a real nice pardner. I-It ain't about the money.

Yer desperate? But... I just ain't sure... alright, I'll think about it.

(Releases the receiver)

Sorry to keep you waitin', Mr. Chang. They're awful persistent... they said they just got a big project and need a whole heap of machine oil.

Huh?

You'll increase my share? A-Are ya sure?

Aw, I do appreciate that so very much. Thank you kindly! Would you have time tomorrow mornin' to pick up our chat? That'd be lovely. See ya tomorrow, Mr. Chang.

You have a deal?

Sure do.

Now I got the capital for new goods, and I'll also get to pay back my debt. That's some mighty fine luck.

Have you ever thought about a career in acting, Croissant?

Nah, ain't worth it... hey, you aren't serious, are you?

(Shrugs)

Well... that went awful good.

(Looks at her own reflection in the mirror)

Go make that money, Croissant. If you don't, somebody else will.

That's the last box! Let's see... two left. Not bad! Made my money back even before I sold out.

I didn't understand why you would stock up like that, but now I guess it makes sense.

Mom n' Dad trained my instincts up like this. They're mighty precise.

Family of businessmen?

Guess so. I grew up helpin' out around their little shop. So their thinkin' and habits've rubbed off on me.

Have you found someone for the remaining machine oil?

Customer feedback was good, so I'm plannin' on keepin' it for myself.

Can I have a bottle?

You can have a whole box, if you want.

(Checks the labels)

What'cha you lookin' for?

The ingredients. I need to know if it can be used on firearms.

Oh yeah, I was so busy procurin', I never had a chance to look at what they added to the new version.

I still got the old bottles. We could compare 'em.

Here we go! Let's see... what did they add?

75% mineral oil.

Same. Additives?

Viscosity improver, antioxidant, anti-corrosive...

Don't see anythin' different. What was the secret ingredient they were talkin' up in the ad?

Wait, there's something at the end... rose oxide?

Whassat? Lemme look it up... rose oxide is a fragrance chemical found in roses and rose oil.

So all the new version added was a fragrance?

I feel... like I got played.

Well, you know what they say. Great minds think alike.

(Pats Croissant on the shoulder)

Let's go. We have orders to deliver tonight.

Sigh...

Aren't you going, Croissant?

One month later...

Why is there always a line here? It wraps all the way around the corner.

Must be some new product launch.

Brand-new Magnificent Machine Oil, now in stores! Elevate your experience and personalize your very own fragrance from one of a dozen options!

Order now and get a mystery gift in partnership with Dainty Fragrances!

Live life to the fullest. Choose Magnificent.

Another new version? Didn't they just release one last month?

You think Croissant is in line?

You would think so, but...

But?

I'm gonna guess she's not.

Why?

She's been pretty depressed lately. She turned down all my invitations to go shopping or eat together, and she's not even taking care of her business.

Did you know that the little warehouse she has is completely empty?

Looks like she got a big shock. All that effort to learn you've been played by the manufacturer...

She's not gonna just give up, is she? I haven't seen her for days.

No idea, but I'm beginning to miss her bounciness, whether she made or lost money the day before.

Me too. But the name Dainty Fragrances does sound familiar.

See, I was right. No Croissant.

Evenin', folks. Might I interest you in a new flavor of crispy meatballs after a hard day of work?

Thanks.

Are you guys going back? I'll give ya a ride.

(Turns sideways)

Ahem. Notice anything new?

Er... a new hairstyle?

Not me. The display window behind me.

Oh, that. Yeah, I knew about it a week ago.

Wasn't this a new product released today?

Heard it from Magnificent myself. I introduced 'em to Chang, and they gave me a chance to buy their new product ahead of time, at a discount.

No wonder it sounded familiar... you've stocked up on the new goods, then?

No, I turned 'em down.

Why? Isn't that a chance to make a bunch of money?

Nah, I decided not to get mixed up. I already got me a new sales plan.

What are you planning to sell?